What is the difference between folliculitis and chancre?

Since the symptoms of folliculitis and chancroid are similar, many people easily confuse them. But in fact, folliculitis is a skin disease, while chancroid is a type of syphilitic disease. The two are different in nature.

1. Initially, it is a small inflammatory papule consistent with the hair follicles, surrounded by a red halo, which quickly turns into a pustule with hair often running through the center. The pustules are the size of millet grains and do not fuse together. The blister wall is thin, and there is a small amount of purulent secretion after breaking. The patient will feel itching and slight pain. After a few days, it will dry and form a scab and heal without leaving any scars. It is more common in adults, and is prone to occur on the scalp, neck, buttocks, etc. Local lymph nodes may swell. Stubborn in nature, prone to relapse, often lingering for a long time

2. The incubation period of syphilis is usually divided into three stages: ① Primary syphilis. That is, chancre, with an incubation period of 2 to 4 weeks. Dark red hard lumps and shallow ulcers with cartilage-like hardness occur in the external genitalia, and the surrounding lymph nodes are swollen. ②Secondary syphilis. One to two months after primary syphilis, symmetrical and widespread rashes, macules, papules, and pustules occur on the skin and mucous membranes of the body. Mucosal plaques and flat warts may occur on the mucous membranes, which are highly contagious. ③Tertiary syphilis. It occurs 2 to 3 years or even 10 years after infection. The skin appears as gumma and may also involve bones, joints, heart, and blood vessels, manifesting as aortitis, aortic valve insufficiency, and aortic aneurysm. Nerve invasion causes tabes dorsalis and general paralysis (paralytic dementia).

3. Syphilis patients should refrain from sexual intercourse while receiving treatment to avoid cross infection, and all kinds of adverse contact should also be avoided. If the patient is diagnosed, his/her sexual contacts should also be examined and treated at the same time. In daily life, you should pay attention to eating less animal fat, sweets and spicy foods. Avoid smoking and drinking, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, eat less greasy food, eat less spicy food, quit smoking and drinking, and drink more water, which will help eliminate toxins from the body.